The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on October 12. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and attended by senior defense officials, naval veterans, and representatives from the defense industry.
Named after the coastal town of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, the vessel continues the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served the Navy until 2004.
Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) with more than 80% indigenous content, the ship is a significant achievement under the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. It showcases India’s growing capability in designing and building advanced warships equipped with modern weapons and sensors.
Designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mangrol is equipped with advanced anti-submarine systems, including the Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher, and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System. Powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, the vessel offers high manoeuvrability and is capable of conducting underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare tasks.
The induction of INS Mangrol is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to detect and neutralize submarine threats in coastal regions, where larger warships often face operational challenges. The vessel can operate in coordination with maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and other naval assets to strengthen coastal defense and protect critical maritime infrastructure.
As concerns over underwater security threats continue to grow, the commissioning of INS Mangrol marks another milestone in India’s efforts to enhance maritime security while expanding indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
